Bow & Crossbow Moose Hunting

Ontario’s moose equipment measurements

These measurements come from Ontario’s moose, elk, and bear equipment row. The 600 mm arrow-length rule is stated for bows. Do not copy an arrow specification onto crossbow bolts; follow the crossbow maker’s bolt requirements and the current Ontario rules.

Have a qualified archery shop check your actual setup. A catalogue description does not confirm the finished arrow, broadhead, draw setting, or crossbow meets the rule.

The bow tag still sets the season

A bows-only adult tag does not become a gun-season tag because you keep using a bow. Match the tag’s dates and unit to the trip.

When bow hunting during an open gun season for deer, elk, or moose, the hunter-orange requirements apply. Check other overlapping seasons rather than assuming a bow always means no orange.

Use the 2026 table to compare the tag type and season before booking.

Practise with hunting equipment

Practise with the arrows or bolts and broadheads you will carry, using a safe target approved for them. Confirm the setup works at more than one distance.

Wear your outer layers, gloves, and pack. For a bow, check whether you can draw smoothly and hold the position without clothing or straps getting in the way. Use a draw weight you can control.

For a crossbow, keep hands and fingers out of the string path and follow the maker’s loading and unloading instructions. Know how you will safely deal with a loaded crossbow at the end of the hunt.

Build a setup around a clear view

Pick a location with room for you and your equipment, a safe backstop, and an unobstructed lane. Range a few fixed points before an animal arrives, then recheck the animal’s position rather than guessing from those marks.

Look at the wind and your route into and out of the site. Decide where a second hunter will wait and communicate that position. Avoid a setup that leaves people on opposite sides of the same calling area.

On private land, get permission before clearing brush or installing a stand. If using an elevated stand, follow the maker’s instructions and use the required safety equipment.

Pass on a poor opportunity

Brush, a moving animal, an uncertain distance, or an awkward draw are reasons to wait. Do not stretch a practice limit because the animal appears large.

Plan recovery before the first outing. Discuss what the camp can help with, how the group communicates, and where meat will cool. Read Recovery & Meat Care with the whole party.